S. Korea issues first-ever ‘venue disaster alert’ ahead of BTS concert

S. Korea issues first-ever ‘venue disaster alert’ ahead of BTS concert: K-POP / 연합뉴스 / 2026-03-20 11:44:53

▲ Preparations are underway at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming concert by BTS. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday it will issue a “caution” level venue disaster alert in Seoul’s Jung and Jongno districts in connection with the return concert of BTS set to take place in the Gwanghwamun area on Saturday.

The alert will be in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. the following day. It marks the first time the ministry has issued a disaster alert specifically for a performance venue. The ministry estimated that between 170,000 and 260,000 people are expected to gather for the concert.

In line with the alert, the ministry will establish a situation control center at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History near Gwanghwamun to maintain a constant safety management system.

Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young visited the museum, where the control center will be set up, as well as the concert venue in Gwanghwamun earlier in the day to inspect preparations and safety management measures.

At Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Woldae, Choi checked key support measures by the Korea Heritage Service and reviewed safety plans for areas near the palace. He then moved to the Gwanghwamun stage site, where he was briefed by organizers on the concert overview, crowd control measures and efforts to prevent ticket scalping, while also inspecting the installation of stage equipment such as sound and lighting systems.

▲ Preparations are underway at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming concert by BTS. Press pool photo. (Yonhap)

Choi also visited a rooftop filming area at the museum prepared by the organizers before inspecting the situation control center’s reporting and command system for rapid response in case of emergencies.

“The government will work closely with organizers and relevant agencies to ensure that visitors can safely and enjoyably attend the concert,” Choi said. “We also urge caution, as entry may be restricted or denied if tickets are purchased through unauthorized resale channels, depending on on-site identity verification procedures.”